New official statistics have sparked significant political debate after revealing that four million people are now receiving jobless benefits without being required to look for work.
Sharp Rise in Non-Working Claimants
The latest data indicates a substantial increase, with the figure now standing at one million more people than the total recorded just one year ago. This group represents half of the total eight million individuals who claim Universal Credit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The trend shows a marked escalation since the Labour government took office. The number has risen by 1.3 million since Sir Keir Starmer became Prime Minister. It has also increased from 3.9 million in September 2025 and is significantly higher than the 2.7 million level recorded in July 2024, when Labour came into power.
Political Fury and Government Response
The figures have drawn fierce criticism from opposition parties. Reform UK's Lee Anderson stated: "Benefits should be a safety net, not a career option. Work should always pay more than being on the dole."
Conservative Shadow Welfare Secretary Helen Whately added: "Many could and should be contributing to our economy." Meanwhile, Tory Business Secretary Andrew Griffith said the government should "hang their heads in shame" over the statistics.
In response, a DWP spokesperson explained the rise, saying: "Those receiving Universal Credit has been increasing as we have invited tens of thousands each month to move from legacy benefits as they become phased out. We are determined to get more people off welfare and into work."
Broader Labour Market Concerns
The welfare data coincides with broader concerns about economic health. Liz McKeown, Director of Economic Statistics at the Office for National Statistics (ONS), commented: "Taken together, these figures point to a weakening labour market. The number of people on payroll is falling, with revised tax data now showing falls in most of the last 12 months. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate is up in the latest quarter to a post-pandemic high."
Despite the challenging figures, Welfare Secretary Pat McFadden highlighted positive steps: "Over 329,000 more people have moved into work this year already, but today’s figures are exactly why we’re stepping up our plan to Get Britain Working." The government's strategy to address the rising claimant count and stimulate employment now faces intensified scrutiny.
